Guidelines for processing outgoing courier

Guidelines for processing outgoing courier

Gray bins

Check that bin is clean and dry before putting materials in it.

If preparing pre-sort bins, put label in the side plastic address pocket. Use WALTCO SORT label if there isn’t one behind the pocket for all non-presort bins. Please avoid putting address labels on the top of the bins.

General packing

• Materials may shift during transport; try to pack to prevent damage when the bins are on the move.
• Do NOT overfill bins. Bins are stacked which means materials can be crushed if bins are too full.
• Place books in bins spines toward the center when possible. This prevents pages from being bent by other materials rubbing against them.
• Large and/or heavy materials should be placed at the bottom of the bin when possible to prevent damage to other materials.

Presort/Sort

• Libraries are encouraged to pack presort bins as space & time allow.
• If space allows, create a presort bin for any library that is receiving ½ bin or more of materials.
• For presort bins, place heavier materials toward the bottom.
• Materials may not need separate in transit slips if placed into presort bins, depending on library workflow.
• Make sure presort bins are properly labeled with the intended library’s information in the bin pocket.
• LINK: Library Courier Tags for Waltco Bins

Rubber bands

• Use only one rubber band for:
  • Media materials that will spill, ex. audiobook cases that easily pop open
  • Books with serious binding issues
  • Board books
  • Items with separate or detachable parts
  • ILL (out-of-system interlibrary loan) items
• No rubber bands needed for securely-latching AV (DVD, CD, video game, etc.) cases
• Do not bundle materials bound for the same library
• If your library has too many rubber bands, you can send the extra to the IFLS office. We will redistribute to libraries requesting extra. If you need extra rubber bands, send in a HelpDesk Ticket.

Note: Using a rubber band is preferable to using tape, if possible. 

Bubble bags

• Bubble bags are not required in presort bins.
• No bags necessary for “unbreakable cases”.
• One or two CDs per bag is okay (without ripping/stretching bag) if going to the same library.
• Tuck in transit slip inside bag with name showing for sort bins.
• No rubber bands are needed unless CD is loose in bag.
• No tape needed to close bubble bags.
• No cardboard.

If your library has too many bubble bags, you can send the extra to the IFLS office. We will redistribute to libraries requesting extra. If you need extra bubble bags, send in a HelpDesk ticket.

Envelopes

• Magazines in sort bins MUST be placed in an envelope.
• Thin materials at risk of courier damage must be placed in an envelope.
• Options:
  • Manila envelopes
  • Bubble mailers
  • Amazon mailers

For IFLS Courier Schedule go to the Delivery page.

Having problems? We can help! Delivery workflow consulting available by IFLS staff.